The main opposition leader has accused the government of lying about the money that could be saved by cleaning up the medical card scheme.

Fianna Fáil's Micheál Martin has rubbished claims by the coalition that those who need medical cards won't lose them under cuts to be imposed under budget plans for the coming year.

Savings of €113 million are to be made through a review of all those in receipt of the benefit - with fears seriously ill people could lose their cards.

Deputy Martin told Newstalk Breakfast the figures just don't add up:

Yesterday, the Minister for Health moved to reassure elderly people that they have nothing to be afraid of when it comes to the review of the medical card scheme.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children was briefed by the Minister for Health and the head of the Health Service Executive, Tony O'Brien.

Minister Reilly said anyone who should have a card will keep their card but he accepts that some older people are anxious after receiving letters from the HSE: